Expert Session: Integrating Environmental Sustainability and Public Health Goals

This is now a Past Event.

Please see below the event proceedings:

Expert Session – Integrating Environmental Sustainability and Public Health Goals

 Organised by the Faculty of Transformational Economics on August 8, 2024

James Lind Institute, Rue de la Cité 1, 1204 Genève, Switzerland

Report prepared by:
Dr. Sonal Katyal

Picture 1: Poster of the Event (insert poster)

 INTRODUCTION OF THE EVENT
The integral link between environmental sustainability and public health is undeniable. Environmental factors such as air and water pollution, climate change, and unsustainable practices have far-reaching consequences on human health and well-being. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach. This workshop aims to foster dialogue, share knowledge, and develop strategies to integrate environmental sustainability and public health goals for a healthier and more sustainable future.

OBJECTIVES OF THE EVENT
1. To Identify key challenges and opportunities in integrating environmental and public health goals.
2. To discuss practical strategies and action plans for addressing environmental health issues.
3. To raise awareness about the interconnectedness of environmental sustainability and public health.
4. To share best practices and success stories from around the world.

TARGET AUDIENCE
The workshop will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including Students, policymakers, public health professionals, environmental experts, researchers, community representatives, non-governmental organizations, and private sector representatives.
We aim to include the majority of participants from JLI (enrolled in different courses) and we are also open to enrolling other professionals outside of our institute from similar backgrounds

DETAILS OF THE HOSTS
Dr. Sonal Katyal – Moderator

DETAILS OF THE SESSION

1. Dr. Sonal Katyal formally gave a warm welcome to the participants, guests, and attendees of the session, the path towards the conference took the route of shedding some light on the importance of the session for its participants and the attendees.
2. Introduction to Dr. Julia Kim: Dr. Sonal Katal introduces Dr. Julia Kim, highlighting her background in global health, well-being economics, and sustainability.
3. Well-being Economies and Public Health: Dr. Kim discusses well-being economies at the intersection of environmental sustainability and public health, emphasizing holistic approaches like Gross National Happiness (GNH).
4. Gross National Happiness (GNH) in Bhutan: The concept of GNH focuses on balancing material and spiritual development. Bhutan’s approach includes domains like living standards, health, education, and environmental sustainability.
5. Systems Thinking and the Iceberg Model: Dr. Kim introduces the iceberg model for systems thinking, emphasizing the importance of addressing the root causes of crises rather than just symptoms.
6. Critique of GDP as a Sole Metric: Dr. Kim critiques GDP as an inadequate measure of a country’s success, highlighting its failure to account for well-being, environmental sustainability, and social equity.
7. Mindset Shifts for Well-being: Dr. Kim explores the role of mental models and mindset shifts in promoting well-being, including mindfulness, resilience, and inner transformation.

PICTURES FROM SESSION

Q&A
Q&A was facilitated by Dr Sonal Katyal and was very interactive as participants asked questions to the expert.

CONCLUSION
Dr. Suhail concluded the event by thanking the expert for giving an insightful session.